<p>I'm only a freshman here, but I can say that I definitely regret not accumulating as much AP credit in high school as I could've. If you think you can learn certain subjects in HS (physics, chem, calc, CS, English), do it. Your time would be better spent in other classes, and if you retake classes you already have AP credit for, chances are they will be either a waste of your time or harder/more work compared to high school (not necessarily good if you've already learned the material well in HS). </p>
<p>Right now I'm spreading myself too thin, and, a slow learner, I'm having trouble processing everything from my classes. My school offered APs, including physics, chem, calc, Java, and English, among which I only took physics (just mechanics, which I stupidly didn't accept), chem, and calc. </p>
<p>Had I done more in HS, I wouldn't have nearly as much hanging over my head as I do now. For example, CS 100 is going to be my hardest class (a lot of people might think this is funny), not only b/c I suck at it but also because I'm completely new to it and won't be able to dedicate enough time to learn it (I have other random crap ,though not necessarily difficult, to deal with). I'm also taking circuits because I want to explore ECE, and I wish I could spend more time in that. I don't think this semester is going to go too well for me. </p>
<p>Anyway, my point: If you can learn things solidly/get things over with in HS, do it because it'll give you the flexibility to focus on other things. And don't listen to the bullcrap about retaking classes as GPA boosters.</p>
<p>thanks for the advice...i was talking about this to a teacher not too long ago, whether its more beneficial to get things out of the way or retake a class as a GPA boost. it definitely seems like it would suck to learn stuff over again that you already know.</p>
<p>I'm not sure I agree with the poster after watching my daughter's freshman year. She has so many kids in the class with her that are repeating the classes and she's at a disadvantage most definitely for not having repeated the class. We've coached her to speak up if need more time on a new concept, even if the kids taking it over are hurrying the teacher along. </p>
<p>Take the APs in high school. Then take Cornell's placement exams to see if you should accept AP credit or not. Their level of expected comprehension is pretty high, so to skip the Cornell version of a class, make sure you pass their placement exam, which means that you will have the foundation needed to take next class in the sequence. </p>
<p>So many students at Cornell, especially the foreign students, have incredible backgrounds. (organic chem in high school?!?) You have to push yourself to keep up. Don't assume you will be bored at anything unless you ace the placement exam. And don't assume that repeating the class will mean a good grade, the expectations are much higher than high school.</p>
<p>Bottom line is challenge yourself, but level set and test yourself with Cornell's placement exams. AP scores are the starting point, not the decider. And take the AEW supplement classes for math and science.</p>
<p>I don't know about Engineering, but for ILR, you should definitely get the following out of the way.</p>
<p>1) AP Micro/Macro Econ
2) AP Statistics
3) Either an AP science (physics, chem, bio all work), or AP History (U.S. or European) depending on which one you hate more.
4) At least one AP English since ILR won't accept both.
5) AP Calculus AB/BC isn't necessary since you can just take an easy as ***** proficiency test, but it doesn't hurt to have this either. It will help in your statistics class as well.</p>
<p>i took a bunch of AP classes and exams... but I don't think I can get credit for most of them... for example I got 4s on Physics B/C E&M... i think the only credit i will end up with will be for Calc AB/BC : /</p>
<p>... does it help to take APs in unrelated fields... for instance, I will be studying engineering but does it help to take AP Psychology? (I have nothing to do these days... and I was wondering if I should self-study some APs).</p>
<p>It could get you out of some Liberal Studies requirements; however, these can be the fun courses (i.e. Psych 101) that you take advantage of while you're here. It's up to you, but you certainly aren't obligated to take the credit if you don't want to.</p>